Surge protectors and surge arresters are two devices that are often confused due to their similar names and functions. Both devices protect against power surges and are helpful in safeguarding electrical equipment. However, there are significant differences between the two devices that distinguish them from each other.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is an electrical device that is designed to prevent power surges from damaging electrical equipment connected to it. A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that exceeds the regular voltage requirement of an electrical device. This increase can happen for several reasons, including lightning strikes, power outages, and electrical storms.
A surge protector attempts to limit the voltage supplied to the connected equipment and controls the flow of electricity to safeguard the equipment from damage. Surge protectors come in different forms, including power strips, surge suppressors, and other similar devices.
How does a surge protector work?
A surge protector has a built-in mechanism that detects voltage spikes and quickly reacts to them by diverting excess power away from the connected equipment. When a power surge occurs, the surge protector redirects the excess power to a grounding wire instead of allowing it to pass through to the connected equipment.
Surge protectors are designed to protect equipment from minor surges that happen frequently. Surge protectors do not handle large electrical surges or lightning strikes, which can cause significant damage.
What is a surge arrester?
A surge arrester is also an electrical device that is designed to protect electrical equipment from power surges. However, surge arresters are typically used in high voltage applications, such as power stations, transmission lines, and substations.
Surge arresters are specifically designed to protect electrical equipment from lightning strikes, which can cause significant damage to electrical circuits. They are installed at strategic points in the electrical network to reduce the possibility of lightning-related damage.
How does a surge arrester work?
Surge arresters work by diverting lightning energy to the earth instead of allowing it to travel through the electrical network. These devices consist of several metal oxide varistors (MOV) that are arranged in a specific pattern.
When a power surge occurs, the MOVs become conductive, allowing the excess energy to flow through them and into the ground. This process diverts the excess energy away from the electrical network, protecting the connected equipment from damage.
Key differences between surge protectors and surge arresters
The key differences between surge protectors and surge arresters are:
1. Electrical capacity: Surge protectors are designed to handle low electrical capacities, while surge arresters are designed to handle high electrical capacities.
2. Applications: Surge protectors are commonly used in residential and commercial applications, while surge arresters are used in industrial and high voltage applications.
3. Protection level: Surge protectors provide protection against minor surges, while surge arresters protect against significant surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes.
4. Installation: Surge protectors are generally installed at the point of use, while surge arresters are installed at strategic points within the electrical network to protect the entire system.
5. Cost: Surge protectors are relatively inexpensive, while surge arresters are significantly more expensive due to their high capacity and specialized application.
Conclusion
Surge protectors and surge arresters are both essential devices used to protect electrical equipment from power surges. They provide protection against different types of surges and are suitable for different applications.
Surge protectors are commonly used in residential and commercial applications to protect against minor surges, while surge arresters are used in high voltage applications to protect against significant surges caused by lightning strikes.
Knowing the difference between these two devices is crucial in selecting the appropriate device for your electrical protection needs. Whether you need a surge protector or surge arrester, it is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician before making any final decisions.
